Devendra Banhart – Oh Me Oh My

The full title of New York resident Banhart’s debut?Oh Me Oh My The Way The Day Goes By The Sun Is Setting Dogs Are Dreaming Lovesongs Of The Christmas Spirit?indicates the eccentricities within. Combining the elfin prickliness of Bolan circa Tyrannosaurus Rex with the deranged outsider art of Skip Spence, it’s hard to tell whether Banhart’s disturbed air is contrived: photos on his website capture a wild-eyed, bearded boy dancing in his underpants. No matter. Oh Me Oh My is at once pretty, unnerving and full of authentic musical richness.